1968

Why was 1968 a turning point in the Vietnam Era?

Leading up to 1968 . . .
- No clear cut winner in the war
- Increase in American forces in SE Asia
- Viet cong proved to be the guiding force in South Vietnam
- U.S. tries to "pacify" South Vietnam

President LBJ remained Determined
- optimistic reports are sent back
- McNamara sees "a light at the end of the tunnel"
- Overall,the public still supported America in Vietnam

The Tet Offensive
- an attack on U.S. strongholds throughout Southern Vietnam
- Massive surprise attack
- During Tet, or the lunar new year
- Political win for the communists
- Statistical win for the U.S.
- U.S. thought enemy was close to defeat
- Public is not happy
- Turning point

Public Opinion Changes
- U.S. involvement in the war is openly criticized
- new defense sectretary states it's an unwinnable war
- LBJ is done and doesn't want to be re-elected
- 5 days later MLK is assasignated
- Lots of riots in result
- Bobby Kennedy runs for president
- He's assignated
- Election is now between McCarthy and Hubert Humphrey
- Nixon, Humphery, and Walace runs for president
- Nixon wins

ANTI WAR PROTEST BEGINS